"That depends, sir. In certain momentous circumstances in life black trousers are not to be despised, nor a high waistcoat either which hides the shirt, and does not allow a single spot of white to be seen or to serve as an aim." This time M. de Morin was completely puzzled. "What on earth do you mean," he exclaimed, "by your spots of white and your aims? Has the idea of travelling in Africa turned your brain? Put that razor down—you make me nervous." "Do not be uneasy, sir. My good sense has not deserted me. I should not suffer as I do if I had lost my reason." "Look here, Joseph. Though I am pretty well accustomed to your eccentricities, you are going a little too far now, and I insist on your explaining yourself, and that without delay. I did not get up at five o'clock in the morning for the sole purpose of giving you an audience." "Oh! I am not ignorant that you have other affairs on hand, and it is just that which is distressing me." "And, in your idea, what have I on hand?" "That is easily guessed, and I am surprised, sir, that you should have imagined that you could keep your plans a secret from me." "Keep my plans secret!" "Yes, sir. It would have been very easy to have told me all, and I take the liberty of saying decidedly that my care, my zeal, and my devotion in your service are worthy of this proof of your confidence." "Do I understand you, then, to imply that I am compelled to tell you where I am going?" "There is no compulsion, sir. There is no question of any obligation towards me, but you would have only been acting with prudence by claiming my presence in such circumstances as these. I could, at all events, carry the swords or the pistols, keep off the gendarmes, and assist in conveying the wounded one to a carriage." "Swords! Pistols! Gendarmes! The wounded!" echoed M. de Morin, wondering whether he had not turned prematurely silly. Suddenly he understood it all, and exclaimed— "I have it I You fancy that I am going to fight a duel." "What else could I think, sir?" said Joseph, very grave and solemn. "Did you not tell me that you were neither going on a journey, nor out shooting?" "Undoubtedly." "Well then, sir, for what other reason than an affair of honour would you leave the house at five o'clock in the morning, contrary to your usual custom and the usages of high life?" He pronounced the words "high life" with an accent perfectly irresistible, and then went on to say— "And besides, sir, you told me to fetch your duelling pistols from Devisme's. It is clear, it is more than clear—alas! it is evident." This evidence apparently struck M. de Morin also, for he at once proceeded to reassure his faithful servant.